Can opener



Massa May 3.2, 1%36;

Q. N. wlswELL CAN OPENER Filed July 14, 1934 Patented May 12, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to a can opening device and relates more particularly to a device for opening cans and dispensing or pouring the contents therefrom. A general object of the invention is to provide a practical, effective can opener and uid dispensing device having improved means for mutilating the opened cans to render them uniit for reiilling.

Lubricating oils and similar products are being marketed in sealed and labelled cans so that they cannot be adulterated or substituted for by inferior products. The can openers now in general use cut an opening or openings in one end of a can leaving the other end and the labeled side walls of the can unmutilated and imperiorate. It has been found that dealers and others sometimes remove the perforated ends of cans opened by such devices, reiill the cans with inierior products and then provide new ends on the cans so that the inferior products may be marketed as represented by the original labels.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for opening cans that cuts an opening in an end of a can for draining the contents therefrom and perforates or cuts an opening in the side wall of the can, thereby rendering the can unt for refilling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opening and fluid dispensing device that cuts a large unobstructed opening in an end of a can upon being forced lonto the can and automatically cuts a mutilating opening or openings in the side wall of the can upon being removed or disengaged from the can.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opening device of the character mentioned that cannot be removed or disengaged from the opened can without perforating and mutilating its side wall.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opener and iluid dispensing device of the character mentioned in which the cutter for cutting through the side wall of the can does not retard or interfere with the operation of the device when making the pouring opening and does not render the removal or disengagement of the device from the can dilicult.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opening device of the character mentioned in which the cutter for cutting through the side wall of the can is housed or arranged so that it is protected and does not form a dangerous or hazardous part liable to injure the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opening and fluid dispensing device of the character mentioned having an effective spout for draining the contents from the opened can that is shaped and formed to constitute a convenient handle for facilitating the operation of the device and to fit into the oil receiving pipe of an engine to support the device and can thereon for draining.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the cutter for making the mutilating opening in the side wall of the can may aid in holding the can in position on the device when inverted or supported for draining.

Other objects and features of the invention will be better and more fully understood from the following detailed description of typical forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference may be had to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of the invention in position on a can after having formed the pouring opening therein. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal detailed sectional view of the device illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged, transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 3 3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating another form of means for mutilating the cans. Fig. 5 is an enlarged, transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 5 5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating still another form of mutilating means and Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 'l-'l on Fig. 6. v

The formV of the present invention illustrated in Figs. l, 2 and 3 of the drawing includes, generally, a body l0 comprising a handle and spout A and a guide B, a cutter I l on the body for cutting a pouring or draining opening in an end of a can C, and means l2 on the guide B for mutilating the side wall of the can. 'Ihe body l0 and principal cutter Il may be similar to the corresponding parts of the device fully described and claimed in my co-pending application entitled Can opener and dispensing device, filed July 14, 1934, Serial No. 735,260. The body l0 and principal cutter II may be varied considerably without departing from the spirit of the present invention and the invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular structures illustrated in the drawing.

The body I0 as illustrated in the drawing, is an integral member comprising the tubular handle and pouring spout A and the guide B projecting from the lower end of the spout. The handle and spout A is longitudinally curved upwardly and outwardly to -be readily grasped and held by the user and resembles a pistol grip. The handle and spout A is preferably proportioned to be readily inserted in the oil lling pipes of the engines of automobiles, etc. The exterior of the handle and spout A is provided with a plurality of spaced circumferential grooves I3 to prevent the spout from side wall W of the can C to guide the principal Y cutter The guide B may be shaped to con-A form, generally, to the configuration of the can C. In the particular case illustratedin the drawings the guide B is transversely curved, adaptingthe device to open the typical or usual cylindrical cans as well as rectangular cans. In the preferred construction the guide B is of substantial length as illustrated throughout the drawing. a

The principal cutter I I is adapted to be pushed Yor forced into an end wall of the can C to cut an opening therein for draining the contents from the can'through the spout A. The cutter is substantially'U-'shaped in transverse cross section and has downwardly and outwardly inclined edges I5 converging to a point I6 at itslower end. The curvedouter portion I1 of the cutter II opposes and is spaced from the inner can engaging side of the guide B. The shank I8 of the cutter is received in the pouring opening |4 of the spout. The shankn I8 ,may be curved to conform to the walls'of Athe opening I 4 and may be constructed so that it may be forced or snapped into place in the opening to connect thercutter II to the body I8.

It: is to be understood that other meansmay be employed to connect the cutter' II to the body I0 if desired. The cutter I| is preferably attached to the body IIJ so that its curved outer portion I'I is vinclined downwardly and outwardly toward the can engaging` surface |9 of the guide B. The guide B projects slightlyV beyond the point |6 of the vcutter toi engage the peripheral bead D of the can to guide the point I6 into theY end of the can adjacent the bead. In practice the point portionV of the cutter VII may be turneddownwardly and away from the guide surface I9 so that the bead D may be readily entered or started between the cutter and the guide.

The cutter portion I1 in being inclined relative tothe guide surface |9 causes the side wall W of the can to be held or gripped between the cutter portion I1 and the guide to aid in connecting the device with'the can so that it will not become displaced vfrom the can during handling of the can and the pouringof its contents. After the guide B has been arranged against the bead VD of the can the device is forced or pushed downwardly causing the cutter I I to pierce the upper end wall of the can and form a large unobstructed opening therein. The inclinedvedges I5 of the cutter roll back-the flap formed by the cut leaving the opening clear and unobstructed. One or more drain openings 20 are provided in the wall of the cutter II adjacent itsupper end to permit the drainage of liquid from behind the cutter when the can is tippedor inverted to' pour its contents through y the opening I4. i

v VA lip 2|- is provided on the inner or lower end ofthe spoutA to extend between the side parts of the cutter and enter the opening formed by the cutter. 1 The outer surface of the lip 2| is inclined-and substantially flush with the cutting edges. I5 to tightly. bear and seal against the ap that is rolled back'by the cutting edges to prevent the leakage of iiuid. from the inner side of the cutter and to aidY inconnecting the device with the canC. 1 An air inlet or vent 22 may be provided in the lip 2| to communicate with the inner or lower end portion of the opening I4 during the pouring or draining of the contents of the can C. The vent 22 may admit air or atmospheric pressure to the opening I4 and interior of the can C to facilitate the speedy pouring of the liquid from the can.

The means I2 is operatable to cut an opening in `Vthe side wall W of the can C when the device is detached or removed from the can. The opening thus cut in the wall W of the can renders the can unt for refilling. The means I2 provides or in cludes a recess 23 in the inner side of the guide BL The recess 23 is spaced some distance above the lower end of the guide and has'straight parallel side walls 24. The upper portion 25 of the inner recess wall is inclined downwardly and outwardly. A projection or enlargement 26 may be provided on the outer side of the guide B to provide the proper wall thickness or material about the recess 23. The can mutilating means I2 includes a cutter 21 pivotally mounted or supported in the recess 23. A pin 28 is carried in a transverse opening in the enlargement 26 and passes through the recess and an opening in the cutter 21 to pivotally support the cutter. allel opposite sides to engage or cooperate with .the side walls 24 of the recess 23. The Vcutter 21 is in the nature of a lever whose lower arm or portion is its active part. The lower portion of the cutter 21 has la lower edge 28 which is blunt or unsharpened and an upper edge 29 which is sharpened to form the cutting edge of the cutter. The edges 28 and 29 join at a comparatively sharp point 38; The inclined lower edge 28 Vis adapted to be engagedV by the bead DV of the can as the device is forced downwardly on the can and this engage# ment causes the lower portion of the cutter 21 to be pivoted into the recess 23. When the cutter has been retracted the full extent in the recess 23 Y the point 30 may project slightly beyondV the outer side of the recess.

The portion of the cutter 21 above the pivot pin '28 is in the form of an arm 3| which controls the operation of the cutter. The arm 3| is pitched or inclined with respect'to the'active lower portion of the cutter 21, The arm 3| of the cutter is adapted to project outwardly from the 4recess 23 and extend into a slot 32 in the portion |1 of the principal cutter when the active lower portionof the cutter 21 is in the rei cess 23. The inner or rear side of the arm 3| is inclined to cooperate with the recess wall 25 when the active lower portion of the cutter 21 projects from the recess 23 into the slot 32. The slot 32 receives the active cutting portion of the cutter 21 with slight clearance.

In employing the device illustrated in Figs. l, 2 and 3, the can C is preferably placed in an Vup- The cutter 21 has flat par"V right or vertical position on a support so that one of its ends faces upwardly. The lower end. of the guide 21 is arranged against the bead D so that the point I of the principal cutter engages the upper end of the can C adjacent the bead. The handle and spout A is then grasped vor engaged and the device is forced downwardly. This downward pressure causes the cutter point I6 Vtojpierce the upper end of the can and as the cutter moves downwardly its edges I5 shear or cut the can wall forming a large opening and roll back the flap made by the cut. The inner surface I9 of the guide B engages the exterior of the wall W to guide the cutter As the cutter reaches its full in position the lip 2| engages the flap cut by the cutter to wedge into the opening and seal with the can. y

The mutilating cutter 21 normally hangs or remains in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing and when the cutter I I is driven through the end of the can as just described the can bead D strikes the inclined unsharpened edge 28 and pivots the lower portion of the cutter 21 into the recess 23. This pivoting of course moves the arm 3| outwardly into the slot 32. Upon the bead D passing the retracted point 30 it comes into contact with the arm 3| and tends to move the arm into the recess 23. This movement of the arm 3| causes the lower portion of theV cutter 21 to move outwardly against the wall W of the can. Further downward movement of the device moves the bead D out of engagement with the arm 3| and allows the cutter 21 to assume an intermediate position where both the point 3E! and the end of the arm 3| engage the wall W of the can. The engagement of these parts of the cutter 21 with the can wall W may not cut through or perforate the wall but may bend the wall inwardly to some extent. The cutter 21 remains in the intermediate position during the completion of the can opening operation.

Following the opening of the can by the cutter I I the can may be tipped or inverted to cause its contents to pour out through the opening I4. The handle and spout A facilitates the ready pouring of the liquid and is adapted to be inserted in the oil lling opening or pipe of the crank case of an engine. The spout A may be inserted in the oil filling pipe to support the device and can in a tipped or inclined position where the contents may fully drain from the can. Following the draining of the contents from the can the device may be detached or disengaged from the can by pulling upwardly on the spoutl A while holding the can C stationary. During such detachment of the device from the can the point 30 which faces upwardly and inwardly perforates or pierces the wall W of the can and the cutting edge 29 enters the opening thus formed. 'Ihe engagement of the can wall W with the arm 3| holds the cutter 21 in the position where the point 30 projects from the recess 23 and pierces or cuts the can wall. The upward movement of the device relative to the can C causes the cutting edge 29 to cut a longitudinal opening or slit in the can wall W. The portion I1 of the principal cutter engages the inner side of the can wall W and prevents the wall from bending inwardly away from the cutter 21. When the device has been moved upwardly to a position where the bead D is below the upper end of the arm 3| the engagement of the lower portion of the cutter 21 with the can causes the cutter to pivot to a position where the arm 3| projects into the slot 32 and the lower portion of the cutter is received in the recess 23. This passage of the bead D below the end of the arm 3| allows the cutter 21 to retract. Retraction of the active lower portion of the cutter 21 permits the detachment of the device from the can without cutting through the bead. 'I'his is a desirable feature as the bead D may be difficult to cut or part. The can opening device cannot be disengaged or removed from the can without mutilating and cutting through the side wall of the can. The cutter 21 automatically forms the long slit or cut in the wall W as the device is removed from the can and makes the can useless for relling. The mutilating cutter 21 is housed and contained so that it is protected and does not form a hazard.

Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing illustrate a can opening device involving a modied or alternative form of mutilating means I2a. The body Ill and principal cutter II of the device illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 may be identical with the body and principal cutter described above. The means I2a includes a mutilating cutter comprising an elongate plate-like lever having an upper arm 3 Ia and carrying a tooth or cutting part 21a on its lower arm. The cutter lever is pivoted on a pintle or pin 28b projecting from the inner side of the guide B. An opening 40 is provided in the lever of the cutter to receive the projecting end portion of the pin 28h. The opening 40 is outwardly ared to allow for the desired pivotal movement of the cutter. A groove 4| is provided in the inner side of the guide B to receive the arm 3| a while a recess 23a is provided to receive the lower arm and cutting part 21a. A recess 42 is provided in the outer side of the principal cutter portion I1 to receive the arm 3 Ia when in a projecting position While a slot 43 is provided in the principal cutter to receive the cutting part 21a when it is projected.

'I'he cutting part 21a is a vertically extending tooth or blade on the lower arm of the cutter lever. The cutting part 21a may be riveted or otherwise attached to the body or lever of the cutter. The upper and lower edges of the cutting part 21EL are outwardly convergent to `join at a point 30a. The lower inclined edge of the cutting part 21a is blunt or unsharpened while the upper edge 29a is suitably sharpened.

The operation of the device illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing is substantially identical with the operation of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. When the principal cutter II is driven or forced through the end wall of the can the bead D of the can is received between the principal cutter portion I1 and the guide B and the lower edge of the cutting part 21a comes into engagement with the bead. This cooperation of the unsharpened edge of the cutting part causes the multilating cutter to pivot to a position where the cutting part 21a is received in the recess 23a. Upon the cutting part 21a passing below the bead D the arm 3|a cornes into engagement with the bead. This engagement of the arm 3|@l with the bead tends to pivot the arm 3 Ia into the groove 4I and move the cutting part 21a outwardly, The mutilating cutter thus assumes an intermediate position where both the arm 3|a and the point 3i)a cooperate with the wall W. Following the draining of the contents from the can C the device may be disengaged from the can by pulling upwardly on the spout A. 'I'his upward movement of the device relative to the can causes the point 3l)El to pierce the wall W and results in the edge 29a cutting a long slit in the can wall. The cooperation of the arm 3 Ia with the can wall W holds the mutilating cutter in the position where the cutting edge 29a is effective in cutting the opening. When the device has been moved upwardly to a position where the arm 3|a has passed the bead D and the cutting edge 29a has engaged the bead the mutilating cutter is free to pivot to the position where the arm 3|a projects into the recess 42 and the cutting part 2l'a is retracted in the recess 23a. The bead D is thus left uncut when the device has been disengaged from the can. The mutilating cutter is entirely automatic in its operation and forms a long cut or slit in the can wall W so that the can cannot be refilled.

Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawing illustrate still another form of mutilating means |21). The means I2b includes or provides a recess 50 in the inner side of the guide B. The recess 5i! is longitudinally elongated and has flat parallel side Yportions of the notches.

Walls 5|. A member of substantially U'shaped cross section is arranged in the recess to have its open side face outwardly and its side parts 52 bear against the recess walls 5 I. The outer edges of the parts 52 are provided with notches 53 having downwardly and outwardly inclinedV walls 54. The cutter 69 of themeans I2b is in the form of a star cutter and is arranged in the recess for pivotal and longitudinal movement. The cutter is substantially disc shaped and is provided with spaced peripheral cutting teeth B2. VAn axle or shaft B3 projects from the opposite sides of the cutter 60 and engages or operates along the inclined walls 54 of the notches 53. The inner portion of the cutterV 60 is free to move between the spaced parts 52 with suitable clearance.Y When the cutter 6D is in'its lower position in the notches 53 its teeth 52 project beyond the inner side of the guide B. A slot E5 is provided in the portion I1 of the principal cutter H to receive theprojecting teeth 52. The teeth 62 are suitably sharpened to readily perforate the can wall W.

In employingthe device illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawing the principal cutter Il is pushed or forced into the end wall of the can in the manner described above; The guide .Bmoves downwardly along the outer surface of the can wall W during the cutting of the pouring opening and the cutter 60er its teeth 62 come into engagement With the bead D of the can. The engagement of the Ycutter 6U with the bead D holds the cutter 6i) against downward movement with the device so that the device moves'downwardly with respect to the cutter 69 until the upper ends of the notches 53 come into cooperation with the shaft 63. When this occurs the cutter 60 has retracted into the upper deepened When the cutter 6i! is in its retracted position its teeth G2 project but slightly beyond the inner surface of the guide B. Thus when the device has been moved downwardly to a position where the cutter 60 has passed the bead D, the cutter has little or no tendency to penetrate the can wall W. After the draining or pouring of the contents from the can C the device may berdetached from the can by engaging the spout A and pullingA upwardly to freethe cutter l i from the opening in the can.

During the removal of the device from the can the engagement of the cutting teeth 62 withthe wall W constrains the cutter 60 to remain sta'- tionary with respect to the upwardly moving device so Vthat the walls 54 force the cutter 63 inwardly. This inward movement of the cutter drives one or more of the cutting teeth S2 through the can wall W. As the upward movement of the device continues the teeth 62 successively perforate the can Wall W and cause pivotingV or rotation of the cutter'. The device is finally moved to a position where the bead D is contracted or engaged by one of the teeth 62. This engagement of the tooth 62 with the bead D causes turning of the cutter 6l) to a position where the said tooth is retractedV to permit the cutter to pass the bead. The teeth 62 of thecutter 6B thus mesh with orstraddle the bead D without binding on or cutting through the bead. The series of openings or perforations formed in theA can wall W by the cutting teeth 62 positively render the can unfit for refilling.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations 4`that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the. scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A device for opening cans including'a cutter, a guide in connection with the cutter to engage a side Wall of the can toguide the cutter to make an opening in another wall of the can, there being a recess in the guide, and a pivotable member in the recess for cutting an opening in said side Wall upon the removal of the cutter from the first mentioned opening.

2. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide'having'a recess with a closed inner side and an outer side open toward said other wall, and a pivotable member in the recess operatable to cut an opening in said other wall upon removal of the cutter from the first mentioned opening. y

3. VA device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein,r a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall ofthe can, the guide having a recess with a closed inner side and an outer side open toward said other wall, a p-ivoted member in the recess, and a part on the member adapted to project from the open side of the recess to be engaged by the can whereby the member is retracted in the recess during the cutting of said opening, the said part cutting an opening in said other wall upon removal of the cutter from said opening. Y

4. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide having a recess, a pivotedV cutter in the recess for cutting an opening in said other wall when the rst mentioned' cutter is removed from the can, and an arm on the last mentioned cutter adapted to engage the can to vcontrol the operation of the last mentionedcutter.

5. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for engaging another Wallrof the can, a pivoted member on the guide, and a projecting part on the member having two edges converging to a point for engaging the last mentioned wall during actuation of the cutter, one edge being sharpened to cut an opening in the last mentioned wall upon removal of theY cutter from said opening.

6. A device for opening cans including aA cutter adapted to be forced through a wall ofY a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for engaging another wall'of the can, a pivoted member on the guide having a cutting edge and a. second edge joining at a point. the second edge being engageable by the bead oi?V the can to move the point to a retracted position, andan arm on the member vengageable by the bead to project the point and engageable by the last mentioned wall to hold the member in a p0- sition where Ythe point perforates the last mentioned Wall and the cutting edge forms a cut therein upon removal of the cutter from the opening.

'7. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a canto cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for engaging another wall of the GOV can, a pivoted member on the guide having a cutting edge and a second edge joining at a point, the second edge being engageable by the bead of the can to move the point to a retracted position, and an arm on the member engageable by the bead to project the point and engageable by the last mentioned wall to hold the member in a position where the point perforates the last mentioned wall and the cutting edge forms a cut therein upon removal of the cutter from the opening, there being a slot in the cutter to receive the member when in the projected position.

8. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide being spaced from and in side by side relation to the cutter, there being a recess in the guide having an open side facing the cutter, a member pivoted in the recess having a point and a cutting edge extending from the point and retractable in the recess through engagement with the bead of the can, and an arm on the member engageable by the bead to pivot the. member to a position where the point engages the second mentioned wall to perforate the same when the cutter is removed from the opening.

9. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide being spaced from and in side by side relation to the cutter, there being a recess in the guide having an open side facing the cutter, a member pivoted in the recess having a point and a cutting edge extending from the point and retractable in the recess through engagement with the bead of the can, and an arm on the member engageable by the bead to pivot the member to a position where the point engages the second mentioned wall to perforate the same When the cutter is removed from the opening, the cutter having a slot to receive the point and arm when in the projected positions.

10. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, a spout in connection with the guide, the guide having a recess with a closed inner side and an outer side open toward said other wall, and a pivotable member in the recess operatable to cut an opening in said other wall upon removal of the cutter from the rst mentioned opening.

11. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another Wall of the can, the guide having a recess and a star cutter in the recess retractable during the cutting of said opening and operatable to perforate the last mentioned Wall upon removal of the rst named cutter from the opening.

12. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide having a recess with an inclined wall, a star cutter in the recess, and a shaft on the star cutter movable on said in- ,clined wall whereby the star cutter retracts during cutting of said opening and advances to perforate the last named wall during removal of the first named cutter from the opening.

13. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a Wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating with another wall of the can, the guide having a recess with an inclined Wall, a cutter in the recess, a shaft carrying the last named cutter and operating on said inclined wall whereby the last named cutter retracts during cutting of the opening and is advanced during removal of the `rst named cutter from the opening, and spaced peripheral teeth on the said last named cutter for perforating said last named wall during the removal of the rst named cutter from the opening.

14. A device for opening cans including a cutter adapted to be forced through a. wall of a can to cut an opening therein, a guide in connection with the cutter for cooperating With another Wall of the can, the guide having a recess with an inclined wall, a cutter in the recess, a shaft carrying the last named cutter and operating on said inclined Wall whereby the last named cutter retracts during cutting of the opening and is advanced during removal of the first named cutter from the opening, and spaced peripheral teeth on the said last named cutter for perforating said last named wall during the removal of the rst cutter from the opening, the teeth being spaced to straddle the bead of the can.

15. A can opener including a body having a tubular portion operable as a spout and having a guide portion operable to engage a side wall of a can, there being a recess in the guide portion to face said side wall, a principal cutter on the body adapted to be forced through an end wall of the can to form an opening through which the contents cf the can may be drained out through said tubular portion, and a mutilating cutter arranged in the recess to turn about its axis and cut into said side wall when the principal cutter is removed from the iirst mentioned opening.

16. A can opener including a body having a tubular portion operable as a spout and having a guide portion operable to engage a side wall of a can, there being a recess in the guide portion to face said side wall, a principal cutter on the body adapted to be forced through an end wall of the can to form an opening through which the contents of the can may be drained out through said tubular portion, a mutilating cutter arranged in the recess to turn about its axis and penetrate said side wall when the principal cutter is removed from the can, and an arm on the mutilating cutter for engaging the can to control the operation of the mutilating cutter.

17. A device for opening cans including a cutter, a guide associated With the cutter to engage a wall of a can to guide the cutter to make an opening in a second wall of the can, there being a recess in the guide, and a pivotable member in the recess having a cutting edge operable to cut an opening in the first mentioned wall of the can upon removal of the cutter from the rst mentioned opening.

18. A device for opening cans including a cutter, a guide associated with the cutter to engage a Wall of a can to guide the cutter to make an opening in a second wall of the can, there being a recess in the guide, a member, means pivotally supporting the member in the recess, and a cutting edge on the member operable to cut an opening in the rst named wall of the can upon withdrawal of the cutter from the rst mentioned opening.

f OZRO N. WISWELL. 

